by Sean Murphy
Wednesday, Dec 27, 2023The three-day NHL holiday break is over as the teams return to the ice on Wednesday with a full slate of action on tap. Here's a look at some news and notes from around the league as the New Year approaches.
Shooting Stars
Dallas has predictably returned to form, winning three straight and five of its last six games leading up to the break. The Stars will draw the Blues in St. Louis on Wednesday, noting that they'll be out for revenge after dropping a 4-3 decision on the road earlier this month. The Blues check in off consecutive wins by two goals or more which is notable as they're 0-7 in their last seven games played in that situation. Interestingly, Dallas owns identical 10-6 records at home and on the road this season.
Devils due
New Jersey has been plagued by injuries but also sloppy play on its way to a mediocre 17-13-2 record this season. The Devils posted a 3-2 win over the Red Wings to snap a three-game losing streak prior to the break. Continuing a theme from last year's campaign, New Jersey has struggled in Newark, going 7-10 in front of the home faithful. Note that six of the Devils next eight games will be played on the road.
Coming up snake eyes
The Golden Knights have dropped three straight games and will mercifully wrap up their four-game road trip with a stop in Anaheim on Wednesday. Vegas has the added distraction of playing in the annual Winter Classic in Seattle on New Year's Day. There's reason to believe in the Knights moving forward, however, as they'll play eight of their next 10 games on home ice following Wednesday's stop in Anaheim. Vegas is just 9-9 on the road this season but 12-5 at home.
Power surge
Tampa Bay hasn't shown the consistency we've come to expect in recent years but the Bolts did go into the break on a 7-3 run. Tampa Bay stares down at a three-game stretch at home that will begin with a showdown against the rival Panthers on Wednesday. The return of goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy from injury has steadied the ship as the Lightning have gone 8-5 with him between the pipes and he has recorded a respectable .910 save percentage. Tampa will play seven of its next 10 contests on home ice.
Shooting Stars
Dallas has predictably returned to form, winning three straight and five of its last six games leading up to the break. The Stars will draw the Blues in St. Louis on Wednesday, noting that they'll be out for revenge after dropping a 4-3 decision on the road earlier this month. The Blues check in off consecutive wins by two goals or more which is notable as they're 0-7 in their last seven games played in that situation. Interestingly, Dallas owns identical 10-6 records at home and on the road this season.
Devils due
New Jersey has been plagued by injuries but also sloppy play on its way to a mediocre 17-13-2 record this season. The Devils posted a 3-2 win over the Red Wings to snap a three-game losing streak prior to the break. Continuing a theme from last year's campaign, New Jersey has struggled in Newark, going 7-10 in front of the home faithful. Note that six of the Devils next eight games will be played on the road.
Coming up snake eyes
The Golden Knights have dropped three straight games and will mercifully wrap up their four-game road trip with a stop in Anaheim on Wednesday. Vegas has the added distraction of playing in the annual Winter Classic in Seattle on New Year's Day. There's reason to believe in the Knights moving forward, however, as they'll play eight of their next 10 games on home ice following Wednesday's stop in Anaheim. Vegas is just 9-9 on the road this season but 12-5 at home.
Power surge
Tampa Bay hasn't shown the consistency we've come to expect in recent years but the Bolts did go into the break on a 7-3 run. Tampa Bay stares down at a three-game stretch at home that will begin with a showdown against the rival Panthers on Wednesday. The return of goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy from injury has steadied the ship as the Lightning have gone 8-5 with him between the pipes and he has recorded a respectable .910 save percentage. Tampa will play seven of its next 10 contests on home ice.
